Stress & Coping Mechanism by

Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) Puducherry campus organized an insightful expert lecture on "Stress and Coping Mechanisms," delivered by Dr. Saravanan Coumaravelou, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at the School of Rehabilitation & Behavioural Sciences, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation, Pondicherry. This engaging session provided students with a comprehensive understanding of stress, its impact, and strategies to effectively manage it.

Dr. Saravanan began the lecture by introducing the concept of stress, emphasizing how it affects both the mind and body. He discussed various stressors individuals encounter in their daily lives, ranging from personal challenges to academic and professional pressures. These stressors, he explained, can trigger physical, emotional, and psychological responses.

A key highlight of the lecture was the discussion on the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which describes the body's short-term and long-term reactions to stress. Dr. Saravanan explained the three stages of GAS—alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. He also elaborated on the Fight or Flight response, an automatic reaction to perceived threats, wherein the body prepares to either confront or escape the stressor.

In addition to explaining stress and its effects, Dr. Saravanan introduced several coping mechanisms that can help manage stress effectively. He highlighted the importance of developing positive coping strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, time management, and physical activity. The lecture also included tips on preventing stress from escalating, like maintaining a healthy work-life balance, building strong social support networks, and practicing self-care.

The session proved to be highly beneficial for the students, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical techniques to address stress in their academic and personal lives. Dr. Saravanan's expert guidance and actionable advice encouraged students to proactively manage their stress levels and adopt healthy coping mechanisms.

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